Speaker to mount in a bookcase - up to $2000 (somewhat long)


Hi all,

I recently had a bookcase built and have dusted off my old stereo components after years of listening to MP3s and CDs through my computer. My existing system is:

Technics SL-D2 direct-drive turntable with Grado cartridge (model unknown - from the 90s)
Sony CD player (multi-disc, probably from the 90s)
Philips 80-w receiver from the 90s
Cambridge Audio Ensemble satellites and subwoofers

I am going to bring down from the attic several boxes of Jazz and Classical LPs in good condition, as well as several cartons of CDs. I look forward to listening to albums again as an event.

I want to build a hi-fi system but am not yet sure whether to go with pre-amp / amp, or integrated amp. I have a lot of research to do first, as well as listening to options at my local hi-fi place in Richmond VA.

Since I am not yet decided on amp / pre-amp / tuner / etc, I want to start by getting a good pair of speakers that will work with something like Music-Hall 15.3 integrated amp, or work just as well with a discrete tube pre-amp / amp setup. I am willing to spend around $2000 on speakers.

But here’s the condition (and the point of the posting): I need to be able to put the speakers in the bookshelves,not on a stand. The room is 13.5’ deep by 14’ wide, and there is a sofa with an end table at each end. Stand-mounted or floor-standing speakers will not work due to space constraints. Here are some pics of the room and the bookcases:

http://m5.i.pbase.com/g10/17/1059017/2/165235515.vAnwjevp.jpg

http://m8.i.pbase.com/g10/17/1059017/2/165235518.4oErsAVa.jpg

http://m4.i.pbase.com/g10/17/1059017/2/165235524.Dc9sXuP0.jpg

With all that in mind, can you guys come up with some speaker suggestions for me? I was told that front-ported speakers would be required for this application but I have also read some forum comments that this is a not a universal truth.

Again, this is step one in building a system. As the months (and maybe a year or two) go by I will replace the receiver with either an integrated amp like a Rogue Sphinx or Cronus Magnum, or maybe even go with separate pre-amp / amp. The speaker will be the first step. Also will follow with turntable and CD player upgrades as well.

Thanks in advance for your time and advice,

Eric



ezwicky
the rega rs1 are always solid for your situation, but the best  speaker i've heard within your budget for an actual bookshelf would be the paradigm signature
Guys
A sealed pair of Vandersteen VLRs would work well
 their coax design will be effective for off axis listeners.
They have a very sophisticated presentation with superb vocal clarity that metal drivers cant touch and designed for against the wall positioning.
 Best JohnnyR

" A sealed pair of Vandersteen VLRs would work well
 their coax design will be effective for off axis listeners."

I made the same recommendation, and since his budget is 2k I also recommended a Rega Brio because he won't be too much over budget. I know you sell both brands, so would you recommend the same amp, or something different?
My local hifi shop looked at my bookcase and room pictures along with the measurements, and recommended the B&W 682 since they are front-ported.   I listened to them alongside a pair of Paradigms and one other bookshelf speaker and I went with the B&Ws.

At the recommendation of nycjlee above, I got a pair of IsoAcoustic stands for them and I am happy.

Thanks again to everybody who has replied with suggestions.